London Fog

The Reddit community holds London Fog — particularly vintage and older American-made pieces — in very high regard, with countless users reporting coats lasting 20, 30, even 50+ years and passing between generations. The brand is frequently mentioned as a thrift store staple, which itself speaks to its durability, though several users note concern that post-1990s production moved overseas and quality may have declined. The trench coat with removable liner is the standout product line celebrated most consistently.

Vintage and older American-made London Fog coats are genuine buy-it-for-life items with decades of community evidence, but post-1990s quality is disputed enough that buyers should prioritize secondhand or vintage pieces over new production.

Community members praise London Fog coats for exceptional longevity, timeless classic styling, and strong value — especially when found secondhand. Older American-made pieces in particular are celebrated as true buy-it-for-life items.

• Trench coats routinely lasting 20–50+ years with regular use
• Frequently passed down across generations in near-new condition
• Removable zip-in liner adds versatile warmth and functionality
• Abundant and affordable at thrift stores in excellent condition
• Timeless classic styling that never goes out of fashion
• Luggage and carry-ons holding up well after years of travel

The main caveat is a widely shared concern that London Fog's quality declined significantly after production moved overseas in the late 1990s. A few users also note fit can run bulky and that natural gabardine outperforms polyester versions.

• Post-1990s overseas production seen as a major quality downgrade
• Some users suspect the brand now trades only on its historic name
• Polyester versions prone to pilling compared to natural gabardine
• Fit can be bulky without tailoring
• Only water-resistant, not fully waterproof, in some jacket styles

One user's father bought a trench coat with a detachable wool lining in 1967 — it's now worn by a cousin and still going strong more than 50 years later.

A commenter described owning a London Fog jacket since the mid-to-late 1990s, having since married, raised kids, had grandchildren, and retired — yet every time they shop for a replacement, they leave empty-handed.

A thrift store worker noted that London Fog made up roughly 80% of their women's outerwear donations, consistently arriving in excellent condition.

One user cautioned that anything made after the 1990s is essentially Chinese-made and trades only on the faint memory of a once-great American brand — recommending buyers seek out vintage pieces instead.